Johnny Mathis serves up hits and surprises at Wolf Trap

In 1957, legendary crooner Johnny Mathis released a single titled “Chances Are,” which became his first No. 1 hit. When he performed the song on “The Ed Sullivan Show” that same year, a career was launched that has spanned six decades. During those years, he has amassed a repertoire of close to 1,000 songs.

Yet the key to Mathis’ longevity and continued success lies in knowing what his audiences want to hear and giving it to them, as he will Friday at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center.